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Coronavirus

Published 11th March 2020

In this update we cover Government advice and the steps that the Thorn Baker Brands (Industrial, Construction and Estates, Facilities &Maintenance) will be taking to tackle the risk of Covid-19 in the workplace. This update is in line with the REC guidance to members provided on 5th March 2020.

Government Guidance

We advise you to stay updated with the government guidance – this is a fast-moving area and the guidance is being updated daily at 2pm.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): latest information and advice  on the gov.uk website includes:

  • Advice from the FCO (foreign and commonwealth office) which particularly relates to anyone travelling to or back from countries and areas affected by the virus. 
  • An updated list of countries/areas that are affected and advice about actions to be taken when returning to the UK from those places.
  • Guidance issued by Public Health England and the Department for Health.

Additional guidance is likely to be added to the gov.uk website so do review this regularly, putting ‘coronavirus’ into the search function.

Symptoms & Basic Hygiene

Symptoms

At the time of writing the common symptoms are:

  • Respiratory symptoms
  • Fever, cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Breathing difficulties

Hygiene

The current guidance is to:

  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
  • Put used tissues in the bin immediately
  • Wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
  • Try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell
  • Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean

When to seek medical assistance

Presently people are advised to contact the NHS 111 number if they feel unwell or if they may have been exposed to the Coronavirus. You should not go to the GP if as they could spread the virus if they have it.

What you can expect from Thorn Baker

We will ask our clients if they have put any specific policies in place to manage Coronavirus risks in their workplace and will share this with all agency workers on assignment there.

The information available is likely to depend on the nature of the client’s business and may be updated if the information changes

If you think you have been exposed to Coronavirus

You should share information with the person you report to AND your usual Thorn Baker contact. You should tell them about the circumstances such as seeking medical advice, or to inform accordingly if you have symptoms or may have been exposed, or have been directed to self-isolate – e.g. following advice from a GP or NHS 111.

Please do not visit our offices or any workplace if you are:

Exhibiting any of the coronavirus symptoms listed below

  • Respiratory symptoms
  • Fever, cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Breathing difficulties

Or have recently returned from any of these locations/countries listed below